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Slavery and Human Trafficking Statement

This statement comprises the Slavery and Human Trafficking statement of Charles Stanley Group PLC (“Charles Stanley” or the “Company”) for the financial year ending 31 March 2017. Charles Stanley is required to make this statement pursuant to section 54(1) of the Modern Slavery Act 2015 (“MSA”). The Statement was approved by the Board on 27 September 2017.

The Business:

Charles Stanley is the holding company for a group of companies which provides a range of wealth management services within the UK. Given the nature of Charles Stanley’s operations, Charles Stanley is at very low risk of exposure to Slavery and Human Trafficking issues.

Supply Chains:

Charles Stanley does not act as a producer, manufacturer, or retailer of any physical goods and, as a financial services provider, it has a relatively straightforward supply chain compared to other sectors. It is not authorised to conduct any financial services outside of the UK, and save for the outsourcing of some information technology testing operations to a company based in India and reliance on overseas counterparties for the conduct of share trading, it has no connection with supplier businesses outside the UK.

Policies in relation to Slavery and Human Trafficking:

Charles Stanley recognises its role in seeking assurance from suppliers of their compliance with Slavery and Human Trafficking laws, while recognising that ultimately this is those suppliers’ responsibility.

The Staff Handbook states the Company has a zero tolerance to Slavery and Human Trafficking and places a duty on all staff to report any potential infringement arising either internally or externally. Detailed background checks are carried out by an independent firm prior to new employees commencing work with Charles Stanley which incorporate protections which should allow for the discovery of any human rights abuses and to ensure that Charles Stanley does not participate in any human trafficking practices. Charles Stanley also has various practices, procedures and policies to ensure compliance with all human rights laws and UK employment laws. Charles Stanley has also committed to pay its staff not less than the current Living Wage (which exceeds the UK’s national minimum wage).

Actions Taken and Planned:

Following the first year in which the Company has been subject to the MSA, its activities have been confined to the assessment and consideration of the implications of the MSA on the business and have commenced initial plans of the relevant changes to its existing procedures to address identified issues. These have included:

Due diligence processes: As Slavery and Human Trafficking concerns are of a low risk to the business, Charles Stanley assesses and reviews such matters with existing suppliers as and when contracts are renewed, and at inception with any new supplier. This will also include where appropriate the insertion of provisions into written contracts which oblige suppliers to comply with the MSA and hold them to the same standards as Charles Stanley applies to its own business in this regard. If, after enquiry, any organisation within its supply chain is unable to demonstrate their commitment to their obligations after enquiry, they will not be taken on as a supplier or their services will be terminated. During the 2016/17 review process, no contracts were terminated.

Training: Throughout 2016/17, the annual compulsory training for all staff in the business has been developed to include Slavery and Human Trafficking to further ensure all staff are aware of all their rights and obligations. This training is included in the new joiner induction which is a requirement for all new, part and full time staff and plans to be refreshed for all existing staff during 2017/18.

The Procurement Policy underwent an annual review and now includes a requirement for significant suppliers to confirm their compliance with the MSA.

Ongoing developments to Charles Stanley's significant supplier due diligence process and the ongoing review of their contracts are scheduled for 2018.

Signed for and on behalf of the Board by:

Paul Abberley

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Charles Stanley Investment Choices is a trading name of Charles Stanley and Co. Limited, which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. A member of the London Stock Exchange and a wholly owned subsidiary of Charles Stanley Group PLC. Charles Stanley & Co. Limited is registered in England No. 1903304.

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Investors should be aware that past performance is not a reliable indicator of future results and that the price of investments, and the income derived from them, may fall as well as rise and the amount realised may be less than the original sum invested.